Major rivers mark rise again in greater Rangpur

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RANGPUR, June 21 (BSS): All major rivers and their tributaries marked rise again following continuous onrush of hilly waters from the upper catchments in greater Rangpur area, official sources said.
Over 16,000 people in the low-lying char areas in 28 upazilas of Sadar, Ulipur, Chilmari, Roumari, Rajibpur and Nageswari upazilas in Kurigram, Dimla, Domar and Jaldhaka upazilas in Nilphamari, Hatibandha, Kaliganj and Aditmari upazilas in Lalmonirhat, Gangachara Upazila in Rangpur and Sundarganj, Shaghata and Fulchhari upazilas in Gaibandha have been marooned in the river basins.
The major rivers and tributaries were gradually approaching the danger marks at all points following further rise in their water levels during the period that has again created a flood-like situation in the area, officials of the Water Development Board (WDB) said.
The situation marked little improvements during the previous 24 hours until Wednesday morning. But it started deteriorating again from last afternoon and there are possibilities of further deterioration if moderate to heavy rains come down at this time, they said.
Meanwhile, reports from the riverside areas said that erosion of the Brahmaputra, Teesta, Dharla and their tributaries continues for the past one week devouring over 320 houses, over 200 acres land and other properties and partially damaging the flood control embankments at several points in the area.
A number of char villages, lands, hat-bazars and educational institutions are facing the threat of erosion in Sadar, Ulipur, Chilmari, Roumari, Rajibpur and Nageswari Upazila of Kurigram district as fresh areas were inundated following sharp rise of the Brahmaputra during the past 24 hours.
WDB sources said the Brahmaputra marked a sharp rise by 32 cm during the past 24 hours until 6.00 am today and was flowing only 93 cm below its danger mark at Chilmari point in Kurigram. The Teesta marked a rise by 5 cm each at Dalia point in Nilphamari and Kawnia point in Rangpur and the Dharla marked a further rise by 13 cm at Kurigram point during the same period.